Malachi 1:4

Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.

Whereas Edom {H123} saith {H559}, We are impoverished {H7567}, but we will return {H7725} and build {H1129} the desolate places {H2723}; thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, They shall build {H1129}, but I will throw down {H2040}; and they shall call {H7121} them, The border {H1366} of wickedness {H7564}, and, The people {H5971} against whom the LORD {H3068} hath indignation {H2194} for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

Edom says, "We are beaten down now, but we will come back and rebuild the ruins." ADONAI-Tzva'ot answers, "They can build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Land of Wickedness, the people with whom ADONAI is permanently angry.

Though Edom may say, “We have been devastated, but we will rebuild the ruins,” this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Land of Wickedness, and a people with whom the LORD is indignant forever.

Whereas Edom saith, We are beaten down, but we will return and build the waste places; thus saith Jehovah of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and men shall call them The border of wickedness, and The people against whom Jehovah hath indignation for ever.

Commentary

Malachi 1:4 is a powerful declaration of God's sovereign judgment against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob (Israel). This verse continues the theme established in Malachi 1:2-3, where God contrasts His love for Jacob with His "hatred" (meaning a rejection or disfavor) for Esau.

Context

The prophet Malachi ministered to the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile, around 450-400 BC. During this period, the Edomites (also known as Idumeans) had suffered significant devastation, possibly from invading forces like the Babylonians or Nabataeans. Despite their impoverishment, they declared their intention to rebuild their desolate places, reflecting a spirit of defiance and self-reliance. Historically, Edom had a long-standing antagonistic relationship with Israel, often taking advantage of Israel's misfortunes, as seen in Obadiah's prophecy against Edom for their violence against Jacob.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Futility of Human Opposition: Edom's boast, "We will return and build the desolate places," is met with God's emphatic counter-declaration: "They shall build, but I will throw down." This highlights God's absolute control over nations and the futility of human endeavors that stand in opposition to His divine will. No human power or determination can thwart God's ultimate decree.
  • Unchangeable Judgment: The phrase "The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever" underscores the permanent nature of God's judgment on Edom. Their persistent wickedness and hostility towards God's chosen people sealed their fate, leading to an enduring state of divine displeasure.
  • God's Justice and Indignation: This verse demonstrates God's righteous anger (indignation) against sin and defiance. While He is a God of love, He is also a God of justice who will not tolerate perpetual rebellion.

Linguistic Insights

  • "LORD of hosts": The Hebrew phrase Yahweh Sabaoth emphasizes God's omnipotence and authority as the commander of heavenly armies. It signifies His power to execute His will definitively, whether in building up or throwing down.
  • "Indignation for ever": The Hebrew word for "indignation" (za'am) denotes a strong, fierce wrath or displeasure, indicating the depth of God's settled judgment against Edom.

Practical Application

Malachi 1:4 serves as a potent reminder that human plans and ambitions, especially those born of pride or defiance against God, are ultimately subject to His sovereign will. It teaches us:

  • Humility before God: Our efforts and achievements are vain if they are not aligned with God's purposes. Like Edom, we can build, but God can just as easily throw down if our ways are wicked or self-serving.
  • Consequences of Persistent Rebellion: The verse illustrates that continued rebellion and wickedness lead to enduring consequences. God's patience has limits, and His justice is certain.
  • God's Unwavering Character: God is consistent in His love for His chosen and His judgment against those who defy Him. Understanding this aspect of His character helps us to walk in reverence and obedience.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 25:14

    And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Ezekiel 35:9

    I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Isaiah 11:14

    But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.

  • Isaiah 34:10

    It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.

  • Isaiah 63:1

    ¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

  • Isaiah 63:6

    And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.

  • Lamentations 4:21

    ¶ Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.